dawson



i. C. DAWSON.

LEDGER.

APPLICATION FILED MAY 5. 1919.

Patented July 5, 1921.

2 S HEETS-SHEET 1 w 9 1 W1 x w c an: m M WL\, m

1. C; DAWSON.

LEDGEB.

APPLICATION FILED MAY 5. Wm.

Pateilted July 5, 1921.

2 SHEETS-SHEET 2 I a.

Ina/e or :6; ufson lzmes 5/ PATENT v OFFICE.

JAMES. drewson, or WEBSTER GROVES, Mrssoum.

LEDGER.

Specification of Letters Patent. I Patented J uly 5, 1921,

:Applieation filed May '5, 1919. Serial No. 294,768.

To all whom it may concern:

'line l.& of Fig. l

' F his a plan View of the: ledger ,with; some of the parts broken away" to show the construction of a locking mechanism. 1

Be it known that I, JAMES C. Dawson, a citizen of the United States, and resident of Webster Groves, county of St. Louis, and State of Missouri, have invented certain new and. useful Improvements in Ledgers, of which the following is a specification, and which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, forming a part thereof.

The invention relates to loose-leaf ledgers and [more particularly to those known as shiftable sheet ledgers'and having provision for holding the sheets in either one of two positions. An object of the invention is to provide a ledger which is constructed to facilitate the manipulation of its sheets or pages for machine book-keeping, especially with that style or type of book-keeping machines which require the separate removal.

of the sheets from the binder for the making of entries upon; the sheets and when the sheets upon which entries have been made are to be extended beyond the edges of the remaining sheets at one side to. render thenr more readily accessible for future reference, as in proving the balance at the; end of the day.

In the accompanying drawings, Figure l is a'pers'pective view showing one form of the improved ledger with its 7 parts in closed position.

Fig. 2 is similar to Fig. l but shows the ledger with the parts positioned for thereturn of the shifted sheets- Fig. .3 is aside elevation with some of.

entries upon the sheetsby machineand returning the sheets to the-binder inshifted;

position.

F1. 4 1s a section al view taken onlthe .Fig. 6 is a sectional viewwtaken on the line66 ofFig.5. a i.

Fig. 7 is similar to Fig. 6 'butshowsa modified form of construction.

Fig. 8 is a detail plan sectional view taken on the line 8-8 of Fig. "6, and;

r Fig. 9 is a perspective view showing one form of the ledger post. H

ThG HIlPI'OVGCl ledger will usuallybe conposition'to permit the manipula tionof the sheets lncident to the making of permitted structed with front and'bacl: covers, as 10 and 11, and with aplurality of filing posts, as 12l3, for'engaging the sheets, as 1%. 'In'the constructions shown, each of the covers 10 and 11 is hingedly connected along one ed e to a binding member 15 or 16 and one of these binding members, as 16, carries the filing posts l213 while the other bind ing member, as 15, isformed with apertures 1718 through the same to permit of its application to the posts 1213 over the sheets 14: in a well known manner.

When the shifting of the sheets 14: is to be permitted each sheet is with. slotted filing apertures, as 19 -20. Apertures of this form allow the return of the sheets, after shifting, w'thout disengage ment-fromthe posts 1213. A third post, as 21, serves for holding the sheets 14: in either one of two positions. As shown, the post 21.is'located beyond the post'13, and at such a, distance from it that it may enter one of the slotted apertures, as 2-1, of any sheet with the post 18 or it may'engage the side edge of, the sheet adjacent the said slotted aperture. 'F or convenience in permitting the manipulations of the sheets the post 21 is carried. by the binding member 15. The two. filing posts 12 -13 and the post 21 accordingly enter the sheets from opposite directions. hen the parts are arranged in this manner, the post 21 preferably does not project through the bind ing member 16 at any time but this binding member merely has a socket, as 22, upon its are desirably made of substantially the same length, it follows that the base of the post 21 projects outwardly from the bind i member 15. intany. closed. position of the ledger, except when the binding members 15-16 are separated to the greatest extent by the length of'the posts 12 and 13. V

The removal and the return of the sheets 14.,incident to the making of machine entries. is most conveniently accomplished when the parts of the ledger are supported in a rack or stand. 'enerally designated As shown, this rack comprises a base plate 24:, a pair of sloping oppositely facing up rights -2526 and side and intermediate guides 2728 and 2930. In use, the ledger is placed in the rack 23 with the binding members 1516 resting upon the interpreferably formed I mediate guides .29 between the side guides 2728. the sloping uprights 25 and '26 provide rests The ledger being opened,

for the front andback covers 10 and 11. The sheets may thus be readily transferred from a position in which they rest against one of the covers, as 11, to a position in which they rest against the other cover, as 10. In this movement of the sheets the intermediate guides 2930 serve as guides for the lower edges of the sheets while one of the side guides 27'28 serves as a. guide for the adj acent [edge of the sheet depending upon whether thesheet isto be placed against the coverv 1O in position for the engagement of the post 21 with the edge of the sheet or with the aperture 20. As it is desirable that the side guides 27 28 should extend over the 7 ends of the binding members 1516, these binding members are preferably made onlyof such length as to extend to the limits of thepile 01 sheets at each side when some of the sheets occupy each of the two positions, as in Fig. 2. As shown, the covers 10 and 11 are flush with the ends of the binding members 15-16 at one side, but projectbeyond the ends of the binding members at the other side, as at 56 (Fig. 1).'

The above. described manipulation of the sheets 14: is greatly facilitated if each of the posts, as 1213, and 21, is slidingly mounted in the binding member 16 or 15 by which it is carried. \Vhen so mounted the posts may be withdrawn from the sheets prior to the manipulation. It is then unnecessary to thread the sheets over the posts either" in removing them from between the covers or in transferring them from a position in which they'rest against one of the covers, as .11, to a position in which they rest against thecover,.as'10.

Preferably each oi the posts 12, 13 and 21 is formed with an enlarged base 31 and the two binding members 15 and 16 take the" form of flattened metal tubes. In the form of construction which is more particularly illustrated in Figs. 1, 2, 5, 6, 8, and 9, each of the posts 12, 13 and 21 is also provided with a longitudinal slot 32 at one side which does not extend completely tothe upper end or head of: the post. Under these circumstances the sliding movement of the post in 1 the binding member 15 or 16 which carries the post, may be'limited by mounting a spring detent 33 within the chamber of the binding member, the said detent being provided with a projection 34 for entering the slot'32 of the post. The spring detent 33 also serves to provide frictionalresistance to the slidin movement of the post I corresponding binding member.

.As shown, the spring detent 33 '15 constructed in two substantially duplicate parts which parts areurged apart and into conin the tact with posts 12, 13, by a coiled spring 33 freely slidable with respect to the other part. t detent for post 21 is shown in the form or a block 330 pressed into contact with the post by a spring as 331 reacting againstthe I interior of the endof the binding member 15.v Block 330 ispreterably also provided with a projection 34 in' the same manner as are the ends ofdetent 33." Y Inthe form of construction illustrated in Fig. 7,the;posts, as 35,36 and 37, are each formedwith an annular groove 38 adjacent one end whereby a shoulder 39 is provided just under the tip, as 40, of the post. When this form of construction'is employed the sliding movement of each post in the-corresponding binding member,'as 16 or 15, may be limited by mounting an apertured sliding plate, as 41 or42, within the chamber of the said binding memben- In thisinstanc'e the post, 35 or 36, slides through an aperture of the plateiil or 42 and a spring, as 43, reacts upon the apertured plate to provide frictional' resistance against the sliding movement of the post at all times and to insure.v the engagement of the plate with the shouider 39 whenthe post has been withdrawn through a suflicient distance to bring the groove 38 into alinement with the plate. As 95 shown, the spring 13 reacts between the two plates 41 and 4:2 to urge them-in opposite greater-[or less number of the sheets l iby the use of agreater or'less'number of the intermediate sections, as -15, in each of the said posts. 7 y Any convenient mechanism may beemployed for locking the binding member 15 in adjusted position upon the posts1-213, or 35-,-36. The arrangement illustrated in Figs. I 5 and6 comprises 7 a longitudinally movable aperture d locking plate :6 which is slidingly mounted "within therhamber 05120 the binding member 15 for engagement with both of the posts l2 and 13. In this instance a screw 47, having-a swiveled connection, asat48, with the locking plate 16 at one end, is employed for movingsaidlock ifi 111g plate 11'1t0;&ndout of engagement with plate 52 is slidingly mounted within the chamber of thebinding member for simultaneous'engagementwith the two locking plates 50 to liftsaid plates against the 87 may now berested-upon the table. (not effort ofthe springs 51. The cam plate 52 is conveniently shifted by means of an eccentric 53, the stem, as 54, of which, projects throughone of the side walls of the binding member 15'and is provided with a thumb piece 55, for turning the eccentric.;

It will be noted that the binding members 15 and 16 may be compressed upon the sheets 14 when all of the sheets have one side edge alined with the corresponding side edges of the covers 10 and 11, as in Fig. 1,

or when some of the sheets 14 have the apertures engaged with the post 21 or 37, as in Fig. 2; WVhen the sheets, are arranged as in Fig. 2 and it is desired to return those sheets which are engaged with the post 21' to the position occupied bythe remaining sheets, it is only necessary to withdraw the post 21 and loosen the, binding member 15 upon the posts 12 and 13. By reason of theformation of the covers 10 and 11 with their edges atone side flush with the corresponding ends of the binding members 1516, the side edge of the ledger remote frompost 21 or shown) and thetable becomes an abutment or guide against which all of the sheets may be pressed duringthe return of the shifted sheets.

hen the ledger is opened and placed in.

the rack '23., in the manner illustrated in Figs. 3 and4,"the sheets l l are all accessible and may be separately manipulated. They are, nevertheless, guided to alinement for the subsequent insertion of the posts 12-43 or 3536 through the apertures 19 and 20 and for the introduction of the post 21 either through'the apertures. 20 or beyond the adjacent edge of the sheet, by the engagement of the lower edges of the sheets withftheintermediate guides'29" and 30 and by the engagement ofoneof the side edges of-the sheet with the-corresponding side guide 27 or 28. In the closed position of the ledger all ofthe posts 12, 13 and '21'or 35, 36 and 37 project at the same side. I The closed ledger is, therefore,smooth upon one side for resting upon the table.

I claim as my invention 7 .1. In a ledgeror the like, in'eombination, alpair of oppositely facing covers, and a filing-"post mountedtfor sliding movement in the direction of its length in each of the,

said covers.

2. In a ledger or the like, in combination, a pair of oppositely facing equal covers, a filing post extending between the covers, and a sheet of less width than the covers punched for engagement with the filing post in more than one lateral position of the sheet between the covers, the punching of the sheet and the location of the filing post being such that in one of the positions of engagement of the sheet'with the post a side edge of the sheet is in the same plane with the corresponding margins of the covers.

3. In a ledger or the like, in combination, a pair of oppositely facing covers, and a filing post mounted for sliding movement in the direction of its length in each of the said covers, one of the said posts also extending through the other cover.

4. In a ledger or the like, in combination, pair of oppositely facing covers, a filing post, mounted for sliding movement in the direction of its length in each of the said' covers, one ofthe said posts also extending through the other cover, and means. for locking the last mentioned cover to the last mentioned ost.

I 5. In a ledger or the like, in combination, a pair'of oppositely facing equal covers, a filing. post extending between-the covers,

and a sheet of less width than the covers the covers and when the post is at the other does not extend toend of the slot the sheet the said plane.

6. In a ledger or the like, in combination, a pair of oppositely facing equal covers, a filing post extending between the covers, and

a sheet of less width than the covers having a transverse slotted aperture for receiving the filing post, the length of the slotted aperture of the sheet being greater than the width of the filing post and the locations of the said slotted aperture in the sheet and of the post in the covers being such that when the post is at either end of the slot the side edge of the sheet remote from such end of the slot is closely adjacent a plane passing through the corresponding side edges of the covers.

7. In aledger or the like, in combination, a base plate, a filing post rising therefrom, and a sheet of less width than the base plate having a transverse slotted aperture for receiving the filing post, the length of the slotted aperture of'the sheet being greater 7 than the width of the filing post and the 10 tween the covers, the punching of the sheet and the location of the filing post being such that' in the two positions of engage ment-of the sheet with the post the opposite side edges of the sheet are in planes closely adjacent planes passing through the corresponding side edges of the covers.

9. In a ledger or the like, in combination, a base plate, a filing post rising therefrom, and a'sheet of less width than the base plate punched for engagement with the filing post in two different lateral positions of the sheet upon the base plate, the punching of the sheet andthe location of the filing post be- 'ing such that in the two positions of engagement of the sheet with the post the opposite side edges of the sheet areinline with the corresponding-side edges of the base plate.

.' ,10. Inia ledger or the like, in combination,

a base plate, a filing post slidingly mount-'- ed in the base plate for movement through the plate in the direction of the length of the post and normally projecting above the plate, and a sheet of less width than the base plate adapted for engagement with the filing postin two different lateral-positions of the sheet upon the base plate, the relation of the sheetxto the filing post being such that inthe two positions of engagement of the sheet with the post the opposite side edges of the sheet are alined with the corresponding side edges of the base plate.

11; Lola ledger or thelike, in combinae tion, a pair of oppositely facing equal covers,

a filing post slidingly mounted in one of the covers for movement through the same in' the direction of the length of the post and normally extending between the covers, and asheet adapted for engagementwithithe filing post in more than one lateral position ofthe sheet between the covers,'the relation is in the same planewith the corresponding of the sheet to the filing post being such that in one of the positions of engagement of the sheet with the post a side edge of the sheet mar ins of the covers.

12. In a ledger or the like, in combination,

a pair or" oppositely facing'equal' covers, a filing post slidingly mounted in one .of the covers for movement through the same in the direction of the length of the post and normally extending between the :covers, and

a sheet-adaptedflfor engagement with the filing post in more than one lateral position of the sheet between the covers, the relation of the sheet' to' the filing'post'being' such that in the two positionsof engagement of the sheet with the post the opposite side edges of the sheet arein planes lying closely adjacent to planes passingthrough the corresponding side 'edgesot the covers. 7

Y 18; In a ledger or the "like, in combination, a base'plate, a filing post rising there from and a sheet of le'ssw'idththan the A width of the base plate adapted for engagement with the filing postin two different;

lateral positions of the sheet upon thebase plate, the'relationof the sheet to the post being such that in the two positions of engagement of the sheet with the post theopposite side edges ofthe sheet arealined with the corresponding side edges-of the base plate and an endofthe sheet is alined with the rorrespondingend of the base plate.-

' 14. In a ledger or the like, in combina- 7 tion, a base plate, a' filing post slidingly mounted in the baseplatefor movement through the plate-in thedirection of the length of the post and normally projecting above the plate, and a sheet of less width than the base plate adapted for engagement with the post when either sideedge ofthe sheet alined with the corresponding side edge of the base plate and an" end of the r of the base plate. 7

15; In a ledger or the like, in combination, a. pair of equal covers, two filing posts between the covers andsheets of less width than the covers having punch holesfor receiving both of the posts when the edges of the sheets at one'side are' in the same plane with the corresponding margins of the covers and for receiving one of the posts when the said edges of the sheetsiare' engaged with the other post and theoppositefedg'es of the sheets are in the sameplane with the corresponding margins of the covers. .7

16. In a ledger'or the like, {in combination, a pair of equal covers,,two filing posts slidingly mounted-in the covers for movement in'the direction of the length. of the posts and normally extending between the covers, and-sheets of less width than the covers having punch holes for receiving both of the'po'sts'when the'edges ofrthe sheets at one side arein the same plane with'the cor sheet is alined with the corresponding end responding margins of -the covers and for receiving one of the posts when the said edges ofthesheets are engaged withthe other post and the opposite re'dgesof the' sheets are in the same planewith the corresponding margins of the covers.

17. In a ledger or thelike, 1n combination, a pair'ot covers havingalined side edges, two relatively.otfset'filing posts each slidingly mounted in one of the covers'for the other post and the opposite movement through the cover in the direction of the length of the post and both of the posts normally extending between the covers, and sheets of less width than the covers having punch holes for receiving both of the posts when the edges of the sheets at one side of the same are in the same plane with the corresponding side edges of the covers and for receiving one of the posts when the said edges of the sheets are engaged with edges of the sheets are in the same plane with the corresponding margins of the covers.

18. In a ledger or the like, in combination, a pair of covers having alined margins at one side and at one end, a filing post mounted in one of the covers and extending toward the other cover, sheets having punch holes for receiving the filing post when one side edge and an end of each sheet are alined with the said two margins of the covers, and a rack comprising a pair of oppositely facing sloping supports for the covers when separated a greater distance than the length of the said filing post and a pair of guides extending between the said supports and alined respectively with the said side and end margins of the covers.

7 19. In a ledger or the like, in combinatlon, a pair ofcovers having alined margins at one side and at one end, a fillng post slidingly mounted in one of the covers for movement through the same in the direction of the length of the post and normally extending toward the other cover, sheets having punch holes for receiving the filing post when one side edge and an end of each sheet are alined with the said two margins of the covers andarack comprising apair of oppositely facing sloping supports for the covers and a pair of guides extending between the said supports and alined respectively with the said side and end margins of the covers.

20. In a ledger, or the like, in combination, a pair of covers having alined margins at their two sides and at one end,-a filing post extending between the covers, a sheet of less width than the covers punched for engagement with the filing post when the end of the sheet is alined with the said end margins of the covers and when either side edge of the sheet is alined with portions of the corresponding side margins of the covers, and a rack comprising a pair of oppositely facing sloping supports for the covers and a plurality of guides extending between the said supports, the said guides being alined respectively with portions of the two side margins and with the said end margins of the covers.

JAMES C. DAWSON. 

